Stunning Scottish village seen in Harry Potter and James Bond films named among UK's best hidden gems
Nestled on the shores of Loch Leven in the Scottish Highlands, the picturesque village of Glencoe has been hailed as one of Britain's best hidden gems. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rugged landscape, Glencoe is a favourite destination for hikers, walkers, and nature lovers seeking to explore the great outdoors.
Located within Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe were formed over millennia of shifting glaciers and volcanic eruptions.
Glencoe village sits between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous glen. It is considered the perfect base for exploring the wider Lochaber region, which is often referred to as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Express reports.
The area's scenic appeal is enhanced by a charming tract of forest surrounding a tranquil lochan, created in the 19th century by Lord Strathcona to remind his Canadian wife of home.
This woodland, often compared to a miniature version of Lake Louise in British Columbia, is nestled amid dramatic conifers and towering mountains.
Visitors can follow waymarked trails that meander through the ornamental woodland at the foot of Glencoe, providing ample opportunities for hiking and photography.
The picturesque village of Glencoe offers the perfect base for an action-packed weekend break or holiday in the west Highlands. Visitors can enjoy fantastic days out combining outstanding scenery, nature, heritage and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Those planning a visit are advised to arrive early, as parking spaces near the loch can fill up quickly due to the site's popularity. The lochside offers benches, picnic tables, and pontoons where visitors can pause to enjoy lunch, soak in the views, or simply relax in the serene surroundings.
Glencoe's allure has also caught the attention of the film industry, serving as a backdrop for several Harry Potter films and the James Bond movie Skyfall, adding to its appeal for visitors keen to capture memorable social media moments.
Tourists have shared glowing reviews of the area on Tripadvisor, praising its breathtaking beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
One visitor noted, 'Parking can be difficult at the car park as it gets very busy. We walked around it at least five times during our recent stay and saw it in all weathers.
"It was always beautiful. There are three walks: red is the shortest, blue and yellow are a good deal longer and more strenuous. The lochan is popular with dog walkers, must have said hello to dozens of lovely four-legged friends! It's to be recommended.'
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Another five-star review highlighted the variety of walking routes and the tranquil environment, saying, 'What a beautiful spot. Three trails to choose from.
"We started on the woodland trail and came back on the lochan trail. A few other people around, but not so busy as to lose the sense of tranquillity.'
For those wishing to stay overnight, Glencoe offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodgings. Visitors can also enjoy local shops and restaurants within the village and its surrounding areas.
Accessible by car, bus, or train from Glasgow, Glencoe continues to captivate visitors with its combination of natural splendour, peaceful trails, and a touch of cinematic magic, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Scotland's Highlands.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Pretty UK city right in the middle of England with barely any visitors
Located in the heart of Staffordshire is a vibrant historic city, which is the furthest away from the nearest sea. But it has barely any visitors, despite its charming appeal Just north of Birmingham, nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, sits a charming and thriving historic city. Previously branded as the "most English place in the country", Lichfield is as geographically "middle England" as you can get and also happens to be the most distant city from the coast. With direct railway connections from London, Liverpool, and Birmingham, this cathedral city welcomes visitors with a blend of historical character, abundant heritage, and modern life. Whether you fancy a stroll along its cobblestone streets, relish a picnic in Beacon Park, or indulge in a retail-therapy shopping expedition in Lichfield Market Square, there are numerous activities to enjoy in this 800-year-old compact city. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK's best seafood but hardly any tourists. Originally recognised as a modest settlement in the 7th century, Lichfield has evolved into a thriving city with a population of nearly 107,000 residents. Compared to other renowned cities like Oxford and York, which both welcome over seven million visitors each year, Lichfield remains a charming city, drawing only 125,000 visitors annually. The city has earned literary recognition as the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, the English author, poet, and man who penned the first 'great English dictionary' in 1755. Visitors can uncover and explore the cherished writer's house, which tells the tale of his vibrant life and significant accomplishments, reports the Express. Lichfield Cathedral, a cherished landmark that has stood as a symbol of the city's historical importance for over a thousand years, is the only cathedral in the UK with three spires. It is known affectionately as 'the Ladies of the Vale'. Visitors are invited to explore 1300 years of history within its cathedral and chapel walls. The famous Herkenrode stained glass and the Lichfield Gospels can be viewed here, and depending on when you visit, you may even have the chance to attend a service or concert. Lichfield is a hub of creativity, hosting various arts events throughout the year. The annual Lichfield Festival, which runs for 11 days, is a particular highlight, showcasing music, dance, theatre, and visual arts, while celebrating local and international talent. For those looking for a bit of retail therapy or a memento of their visit, Lichfield Market, held on the historic Market Square every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, is a must-visit. Up to 52 stalls offer a wide range of quality items, including baked goods, homemade crafts, and fresh produce. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat with extensive gardens and numerous walking paths, Beacon Park is the place to go. Spread across over 70 acres of breathtaking gardens and open space, Beacon Park is a haven for nature lovers with its impressive floral displays, woodland strolls, and tree-lined avenues, making it ideal for family outings. This September, the much-loved Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Thousands of local residents and visitors from all corners will attend a free musical and visual spectacle set against the park's stunning backdrop.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
One of UK's 'best wild swimming spots' has beautiful waterfalls and clear waters
There are plenty of beautiful wild swimming spots in the UK but there's one breathtaking spot that's worth having on your radar if you like to avoid the crowds Brits looking for a dose of staycation inspiration may want to consider a trip to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), as its breathtaking landscapes are home to one storybook-worthy spot. Those who don their hiking boots and head towards Mount Snowdon along the Watkin Path will want to leave time to explore the woodlands, and keep an eye out for the Watkins Path Waterfall. This beautiful spot boasts a series of ethereal falls cascading down the mountainside, down to postcard-worthy pools with crystal-clear waters that wouldn't be out of place in a fairytale. (In fact, they've actually been dubbed as the 'Fairy Falls' by locals for exactly that reason). Of course if you are heading to the national park, you may want to heed one hiker's warning after he got to the top of Mount Snowdon only to be floored by what he found. The waterfall hotspot has an ideal mix of being easy to reach because of its location on the popular hiking route, but still being secluded enough that you don't need to fight off crowds of tourists if you want to check it out for yourself. It's therefore no surprise that they're regularly tipped to be among the best wild swimming spots in the UK, although the waters boast an average temperature of 14C so if you are going to brave a dip, you may want to pack a wetsuit into your hiking gear. Still, even if you don't want to take a dip they're well worth visiting, if only for the gorgeous scenery. Visitors who've made the trek haven't been left disappointed. "A lovely little walk on a hot day," one happy holidaymaker wrote on Tripadvisor. "This took around 30 minutes and was worth seeing. There are lots of walks in this area. There was lots of parking, public lavatories and access to the river." Another added: "A beautiful hidden waterfall, it's quiet there. We had nobody there, you have to take stairs down it's quite steep but the waterfall is nice." While it is on hiking route, it's easily accessible so more seasoned hikers may want to look at alternative routes if they're looking for a challenging trek before heading to the falls. One person explained: "Beautiful but much shorter walk than we expected. Up a steep hill to reach the falls but a great bench for watching the fall." If you're planning to climb to the top of Mount Snowdon however, then you may want to prepare for long queues to get to the top. In recent months, visitors have been left shocked as they've arrived and found queues of up to an hour long just to reach the summit, even during the early hours of the morning. It's also worth checking the weather; one woman was left disappointed after enjoying a long hike and waiting her turn to reach the top, only to then realise she couldn't see very much because of the fog. Taking to TikTok to share a clip of her hike, she quipped in the caption: "POV: You get mostly clear skies hiking Snowdon then it does you dirty at the summit."
Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Daily Record
Family fume over 'horrendous' hotel with 'cockroaches' and 'yellow water' in holiday hell
The family had "10 quality nights" before everything went wrong. A fuming family have told how their relaxing break turned into a holiday from hell as they were met with insect and cockroach infestations and yellow water - after their scheduled flight was cancelled. William White and his family endured "the most horrendous room and conditions" during their easyJet package holiday. William, his wife and two children had headed to the Mallorcan town of Alcudia and had "10 quality nights" on their break. But disaster struck when they were due to return home, with their flight being cancelled after being delayed several times - before the family was told to head back to Alcudia stay for one more night, The Mirror reports. William, from Carnmoney in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, said they were advised by easyJet to travel from the airport back to Alcudia for a one-night stay at accommodation organised by the travel company. But the family say they were greeted with "a smell worse than an old people's home", insects, holes in the wall and "yellow water from the taps". William, 40, said: "We departed Belfast on July 25 and spent 10 quality nights in Viva Sunrise. We were due to fly back on the fourth of August [Monday]. We arrived in the airport and checked in our luggage at 3.30pm." He revealed there was "no update on the boards in the airport" but online updates indicated delays due to a technical issue. He mentioned "rumblings" began among the Belfast travellers after their flight vanished from the flight boards, and around 8pm an email arrived, followed by another confirming the flight had been cancelled. "All the passengers were ringing easyJet for help," William said. "But there were no reps based in the departure area of the airport and the ground crew didn't know anything." Eventually, William and his family were booked on to a flight from Palma to London Luton on Wednesday 6, with a four-hour stop before the flight to Belfast. In the meantime, he and his family went back through security and managed to retrieve their luggage. At 10.30pm, they received another email with details of accommodation for the night, reports Belfast Live. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "We went on to TripAdvisor to check and seen that it had diabolical reviews but it had been long and stressful day but not much we could do at that point with no direction from anyone," William said. "We spoke to the easyJet rep and she said we should pay for taxi, which was €140 so we refused. At the last minute they put us on a bus to Alcudia. "We arrived at around 1:30am. It was a huge complex and they said we had a one night stay booked. We explained the situation but they insisted it was one night only and that we had to come back in the morning." He revealed their room was a "20 minute walk from reception - in the dark on a busy road, with our suitcases and two children. "Cars were speeding past and there were no lights, so I had to use my phone light." He continued: "When we arrived, we were greeted with the most horrendous room and conditions – mites, yellow water from the taps, cockroaches, holes punched in the wall, wardrobe doors hanging off, a smell worse than an old people's home and decor and furniture from the 1960s. "Oh, and no working air-con." The family contacted easyJet once more to describe the appalling state of their accommodation, but were informed they couldn't relocate the family that evening. After hearing this news, Mr White said he made the "trek" back to reception, who eventually agreed to relocate them. The replacement room was "more up to date", William explained, but was regrettably "located beside the main entrance to the entire complex with drunk people arriving home and children out playing at 4am". That accommodation also had no air conditioning, he said. He added: "It was so warm you could cook Sunday dinner in it." The family managed to get roughly four hours of sleep, before being told they would be relocated once again. After another journey, which William said lasted "around 25 minutes" carrying their four suitcases and two children, they reached the fresh hotel. Speaking to Belfast Live William said: "At least it's clean." When asked what response he would like from easyJet after their nightmare experience, he said: "I don't know, maybe fair compensation - whatever that might be." The Mirror has approached easyJet for comment.
